Great Clips sponsors "Operation: Fishing Freedom"

Minneapolis, Minn (December 11, 2017) -- Great Clips will continue its commitment to supporting veteran causes by renewing its sponsorship of “Operation: Fishing Freedom,” a TV show that is part fishing show, part historical documentary. The show’s second season airs Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. ET/ 7 a.m. CT on Discovery Channel, beginning January 2018. Each episode features veterans sharing the story of their military service, all while enjoying one of the most tranquil pastimes: fishing.

Coming off the resounding success of the show’s inaugural season, which premiered on the Sportsman Channel in January 2017, “Operation: Fishing Freedom” joins the Discovery Channel’s Saturday and Sunday morning outdoor programming blocks.

The show’s founder, Jay Garstecki and his partner Ben Olson, split co-hosting duties, each taking one veteran on a fishing trip per 30-minute episode. The episodes were filmed during two-day shoots in spring and summer 2017 in Florida, Illinois, Minnesota and Canada.

Prior to the show, Garstecki, a professional fisherman, spent more than five years taking military veterans fishing to help them on the healing journey from the effects of post-traumatic stress (PTS). “It’s been proven that fishing, through mental relaxation, low-impact exercise and social camaraderie, can alleviate the effects of PTS. While meeting thousands of veterans from across the country, I’ve heard countless stories of heroism that were too meaningful to go untold; so Operation: Fishing Freedom was born,” says Garstecki.

Great Clips, Inc., an organization passionate about supporting veterans’ causes, was quick to lend support to the show. “We wanted to help shine a spotlight on these amazing American heroes. It is important to bring their stories to the forefront for future generations to hear,” said Great Clips President Steve Hockett.

Great Clips, Inc. and its 4,200 franchise locations have consistently supported Veteran causes through a variety of organizations, including Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Operation Second Chance, The Greatest Generations Foundation, Stand Down for Vets, Take a Vet Fishing, and the American Legion. Most recently the company launched the #GREATful4VETS campaign highlighting stories of veterans within the Great Clips community. More information about the #GREATful4VETS campaign can be found HERE.

Says Garstecki, “Without Great Clips, there would be no Operation: Fishing Freedom. Without their support, we would not be able to do what we do.”

About Great Clips, Inc.Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has 4,200 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the world’s largest salon brand. Great Clips is 100 percent franchised, and salons are owned locally by more than 1,200 franchisees across North America. Great Clips franchisees employ nearly 40,000 stylists who receive ongoing training to learn the Great Clips customer care system and advanced technical skills. As a walk-in salon, Great Clips provides value-priced, high-quality haircare for men, women and children. No appointments are needed, and salons are open nights and weekends. Getting a great haircut is more convenient than ever with Great Clips’ Online Check-In and Clip Notes®. To check-in online, visit GreatClips.com or download the app for Android and iPhone. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit GreatClips.com.